“Surprising”- Matthew Hayden on Rohit Sharma being replaced as India ODI captain despite Champions Trophy win

Australian legend Matthew Hayden says he was "surprised" by the BCCI's decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Shubman Gill as India's ODI captain after the CT 2025 win.

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Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has stated that, despite leading India to the Champions Trophy 2025 victory, he was taken aback by Rohit Sharma's dismissal as ODI captain.

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Ahead of India's forthcoming visit to Australia, Rohit Sharma was requested to resign as captain after Shubman Gill was named the country's new ODI captain.

Despite losing 12 matches, Rohit led India in 56 One-Day Internationals and won 42 of them. With at least 50 ODIs as captain, he has the second-best victory percentage in ODI history, with 75%.

Matthew Hayden recently expressed his thoughts on Rohit's dismissal as captain, stating that the decision caught him off guard. However, he also mentioned the reasoning behind Gill's appointment, as it takes time to build a leader.

"Look, more than likely. But they're going to have their mind's eye on the 2027 World Cup. And so they should. I was kind of surprised, actually, that after the Champions Trophy, Rohit was unpacked as captain. But I also get it. Shubman Gill is being groomed. It takes time to build a leader," said Hayden on the launch of Test Twenty.

Hayden said that the Indian team will benefit greatly from having Rohit and Virat Kohli in the dressing room since they are excellent teachers.

"Having Rohit in the house, having Virat in the house—that's gold. They're not just players; they're mentors in the dugout. I hope it's not their last [tour], but you can't play forever, unfortunately," he added.

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AB de Villiers, a former cricket player for South Africa, also expressed his excitement about seeing Rohit and Virat compete in the forthcoming series.

"I'll probably answer in a similar manner as Haydos. I'm just happy we can still see them play competitive cricket. They know what they still want to achieve—and as Hayden alluded to, that 2027 World Cup is probably the main target. I just wish them all the success and a fantastic end to their careers, whenever that may finish," said De Villiers.

The three-match ODI series between India and Australia will be played from October 19, with the first game in Perth. The second ODI will be played in Adelaide on October 23, and the final match in Sydney on October 25.

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